If you're suffering from bleeding gums, Dr S. Venugopal, MDS, prosthodon­tist, Noble Dental Hospital, Swaasth Speciality Clinic, Hyderabad, suggests chewing raw vegetables and fruits like carrots and peaches. Chewing these exercises the teeth and expels food remnants stuck in them.

He also suggests mixing a pinch of common salt and baking soda and using it to massage the gums. "Just like our body loves a massage, so do our gums," he quips. "Massaging the gums helps rejuvenate them, allowing the dead cells to fallout," he notes.

Even with all this, regular brushing twice a day and flossing are a given.

Diabetes and Cholesterol Care

For the elderly suffering from high cholesterol and diabetes, care must begin at home. Dr Ashok Jhingan, sen­ior consultant diabetologist and chair­man, Delhi Diabetes Research Centre believes that a high fibre diet, includ­ing sprouts, pulp of fruit like oranges and sweet lime and raw salad is essential in reducing blood sugar and cholesterol levels. "Fruits and vegeta­bles are good antioxidants and help reduce the free radical elements in the body that damage the blood vessels," he points out. Retain the skin of certain fruits like ap­ples and guavas while eating them. "If you peel the skin, you're re­moving all the minerals, and thus their benefits. But do wash it well before consuming."

According to Dr Jhingan, fenu­greek seeds can prevent and check the progress of diabetes. "Soak lOgms of the seeds overnight and consume in the morning on an empty stomach." He also suggests chewing a clove of garlic first thing every morning to control cholesterol levels.

Though these doctors often pre­scribe home remedies for their pa­tients, they all agree that home cures can't replace mainstream medicines or a visit to the clinic. Natural reme­dies can usually only provide tempo­rary relief and cannot tackle a major infection. If you find that the symp­toms of the ai Iment persist for more than a few days, even if it's something as minor as a runny nose, it's a sure sign that you must go see a doctor.